We Sailed to Spain! - DrakeParagon Sailing

[@31evamaria]

I did an Atlantic crossing with Eric. His 5oclock happy hour has become a staple on my own boat as well as his daily toast "To the cruising life" Fair winds Eric

[@pierreblanchard3340]

Was reading Eric’s book while living in Belfast Maine. Was at the town dock early one morning having my coffee when this guy walks past my truck towards the boat ramp when I realize he looks just like the guy in the book I’m reading. I rolled down my window and yelled “Eric”. He quickly turned around and waved. I got out and we chatted. He invited me to have a tour of his boat which I enthusiastically accepted. I’ll never forget that chance encounter.

[@drakeParagon]

Wow, what an amazing happenstance! So glad you got a chance to meet him and get a tour of Fiona. She’s a special boat that has seen a lot in her day. Looking forward to see who will take her on her next adventures! -M

[@sailinglatis]

Life is about traditions! Well done. Thank you. 🇨🇦

[@richmorpurgo5554]

I almost got the chance to sail with Eric twice, but my work got in the way. But, I sent a friend and he had a blast and was going back to sail again, but it was cancelled because of his passing. Sail on Eric!

[@globalroamer1900]

Eric Forsyth was a true original......RIP

[@jorgeconcheyro]

What a great ending for this tough passage guys!!! Great filming!. And the interaction between Drake and Eanna is always a lot of fun to watch. Salud!!!

[@MikeSantis]

Great trip and video with a wonderful finale. Thanks guys

[@olavthyvold2288]

A nice rememberance

[@sailingtessbesssewfarnorth1746]

Totally approve of Forsyth rum ration drinking fro Gilly B mugs 😁😁😁

[@drakeParagon]

The Gilly B mugs are the most favoured mugs aboard Paragon! ❤❤❤ Great for coffee, but even better with rum! We’re looking forward to sailing back to Shetland and seeing the new studio…it looks amazing! -M

[@sailingtessbesssewfarnorth1746]

Look forward to seeing you.

[@sdrc92126]

91 years is a good run

[@gregfawcett5152]

"There are good ships...there are wood ships...there are ships that sail the Sea...but the best ships are friendships...may they always be."

[@jim4109]

Another great video! Always enjoy the journey!

[@vmaida]

Cheers!

[@codyevans8519]

Eric was one of my heroes I got the email he had passed I wish I could have met him! Seem as though heros are dying every day. But i guess new heroes are coming up as well. God bless

[@captnb8036]

Very cool

[@pavelavietor1]

MY FAVORITE PLACE THE KINGDOM OF SPAIN GET SOME TURRON DE JIJONA Y JAMON IBERICO. SALUDOS

[@kenlynch6332]

⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵

[@waltervanderboor]

How are the odds you'll meet a ship with that name? (Fiona)

[@drakeParagon]

It was a wild coincidence for sure! -M

[@micklelawsie647]

Capitans log 24:30....... Eanna and Hazel would make a great couple. I felt that as the female (a.k.a the decider) might have taken a shine to the wee Bonnie Laddie. .....just saying......

[@jwrn4u]

The last few videos have given me the impression that Drakes boat is kinda slow 😬 am I right or have I just been watching too many cat videos?

[@drakeParagon]

Our boat is a full keel double-ender, and she weighs almost 40,000 lbs, which is pretty heavy for her length compared to most other boats. I chose Paragon because I think the advantages of her hull design outweigh the disadvantages for the kind of sailing that we do. I think ultimately what was most important to me is the boat’s ability to heave to in the worst case scenario of being caught in heavy weather conditions offshore, and survive. ADVANTAGES 1. **Stability and Tracking**: - **Directional Stability**: The full keel provides excellent directional stability, making it easier to maintain a straight course with minimal rudder correction. This is particularly advantageous for long-distance cruising. - **Comfortable Ride**: The full keel’s shape helps to provide a more comfortable ride, reducing rolling and hobby-horsing in rough seas. 2. **Strength and Durability**: - **Robust Design**: Double-enders are often built with a strong, robust construction. The pointed stern reduces the impact of following seas, enhancing safety and durability. - **Grounding Protection**: Full keels extend the length of the boat, providing protection to the hull and rudder during groundings, which can be beneficial in shallow or unfamiliar waters. 3. **Seaworthiness**: - **Heavy Displacement**: Full keel double-enders are usually heavy displacement vessels, which contribute to better seaworthiness, stability, and the ability to handle heavy weather conditions. - **Traditional Design**: Their traditional design and heavy displacement often make them favored by bluewater sailors for long ocean passages. 4. **Ease of Handling**: - **Self-Steering**: Full keel boats often work well with self-steering mechanisms like wind vanes, which can be a significant advantage on long passages. DISADVANTAGES 1. **Performance**: - **Speed**: Full keel boats are generally slower than fin keel boats. Their increased wetted surface area creates more drag, reducing speed and performance, especially in light winds. - **Maneuverability**: They are less agile and responsive to steering, making them harder to maneuver in tight spaces such as marinas or crowded anchorages. 2. **Draft**: - **Deeper Draft**: Full keel boats often have a deeper draft compared to some modern designs, which can limit access to shallow waters and coastal areas. 3. **Maintenance**: - **Antifouling**: The larger wetted surface area of a full keel means more area to maintain, which can increase time and costs for antifouling and hull cleaning. 4. **Weight**: - **Heavy Displacement**: While beneficial for stability, the heavy displacement can make handling more cumbersome, especially when launching or hauling out the boat. A full keel double-ender sailboat is ideal for sailors prioritizing stability, seaworthiness, and traditional aesthetics over speed and agility. They excel in long-distance cruising and heavy weather.

[@deevan2489]

All I could hear was the engine ..

[@patrickfitzoot]

I couldn't sail with the engine running so often. For a delivery sure, but otherwise what's the point?

[@drakeParagon]

We went over the weather situation at several points throughout the past few episodes, where you can see our concern over a large front of 30 to 35 knot winds to our north that was headed south. We could have sailed under the current conditions at 5 knots easily, but ran the engine so that we could make 7+ knots so that we could reach Spain before that front hit us. If we had not run the engine, then the front would have hit us, and then we would probably then have had to heave to for 36 hours until the heavy weather passed over us.

[@BrockLanders-u9g]

Can't hear a word over the ngine noise.

[@drakeParagon]

We added captions throughout the entire video for just this reason. You can turn them on by clicking the CC button at the bottom of the video window.

[@BrockLanders-u9g]

@@drakeParagon Thanks!

[@edrussell7960]

I enjoyed the entire vlog and honestly was enjoying the story so much i didn't notice the engine noise. I felt like i was reliving the time with Eric myself as i remember watching the vlogs from back then too. Noce way to honor your times together. R.I.P Mr Forsyth.​@drakeParagon

[@sdrc92126]

what?